Page 53 of Learn the Play
“Months?” Paula says. “Reid Montgomery, why are we just now meeting her?” his mom asks, and I can’t help the laugh that escapes me.
“She’s my dream girl, Mom. I wanted to keep her all to myself.”
“Well, tough. We taught you to share,” she says, humor lacing her tone.
“Well, since you’re so big on sharing, I have some news,” Reid says. He pauses, and his mom huffs out a breath.
“Don’t leave her hanging, son,” Sam says.
Paula looks over at my mom. “They live to torture us, don’t they?”
“They do,” Mom agrees with an amused smile, because she and I had this conversation a few days ago. When we found out Reid’s parents were coming to visit, Reid thought it would be a good idea to tell them all together. When I called Mom to invite her, that’s when she found out about Reid and that we’ve been living together.
“Bellamy and I are having a baby.” Reid blurts out the news, as if he’s asking if they’re finally ready for their dessert.
Our parents stare at us in shock. It’s Sam who finally speaks. “Congratulations!” he says, his deep voice loud as he stands, and we do, as well. He pulls us into a hug at the same time before Mom and Paula take their turns.
They ask how I’m feeling, when I’m due, and what they can do, if anything. Instant acceptance and support bring tears to my eyes. These damn pregnancy hormones are going to be the death of me.
Reid’s parents leave first, promising to catch up with us more before they leave. They’re here for a few more days before heading back to Atlanta, where the first preseason game for the Rampage happens to be held.
“It was so nice to meet you, Reid,” Mom says, hugging him.
He steps away and kisses my temple. “You too, Candice. I’m going to go start on clean-up,” he says to me before walking away.
“He’s very handsome,” Mom says as we watch him leave.
“He is.”
“He plays football?”
“He does. For Dad.”
She nods. “I never thought I’d see the day, but I’m happy for you, Bellamy. You didn’t let your fears keep you from something special.”
“What if he turns out to be just like Dad?”
“Sweetheart, he won’t. Your father isn’t a bad man. He threw himself into his career, and he got lost. He was so lost that he couldn’t find his way back to us, and we grew apart. He loves you. I know he wasn’t around much, but you pushed him away after the divorce.”
“I know, because I didn’t know how to deal with the anger. I tried to push Reid away, too, but he kept fighting.”
“That’s the difference. Don’t let the past control what you have here. He looks at you as if you’re his entire world, Bellamy.”
“He makes me feel like I am,” I confess.
“Come here.” Mom pulls me into a hug, and I return her embrace.
“I think I’m falling in love with him,” I tell her, before pulling out of our hug.
Her eyes shimmer with tears. “Don’t be afraid to fall. He’s going to catch you.”
“How do you know?”
She grins. “He’s looked over here half a dozen times since he walked away. If I had my guess, I’d say he feels the same. You should discuss it together. Communication is everything.”
“Not yet,” I tell her. “I need more time.”
“There’s no rush. That man of yours isn’t going anywhere.” She hugs me again. “Take care of you and my grandbaby.” Her eyes light up. “I can’t believe I’m going to be a grandma.”
